Keagan Beeravolu, COL ’27, Charlotte, NC
How could centromere DNA be changing so rapidly when proteins that bind to it are so highly conserved? This intriguing paradox was unresolved, so naturally I wanted to investigate it. Thanks to Career Services and the University of Pennsylvania’s Lampson Lab, I was able to dive deeper into this perplexing topic.
In order to begin investigating this paradox, I needed to gain proficiency in the necessary molecular and cell biology techniques. Working closely with the postdoctoral researcher Damian Dudka, I learned the complex processes involved in protein cloning. These included designing plasmids, creating coding DNA libraries, performing polymerase chain reactions, transforming and inoculating bacteria, and isolating the resultant plasmids.
However, my journey did not end there as, with the support of the Lampson Lab, I had the opportunity to use mouse oocytes as a model for my experiments. I learned to collect, release, and fix these oocytes, as well as perform immunofluorescence stains. After completing an experiment, I crafted representative panels to illustrate the results and analyzed the images qualitatively and quantitatively. Through my analysis, I was able to draw conclusions that furthered my understanding of potential explanations for the centromere DNA paradox.
While I was able to further my understanding of centromere DNA, I was also exposed to many unique and innovative research projects that pushed the boundaries of biological science. I was even able to use these innovations in my research, such as when I used a novel computational tool, AlphaFold 3, to generate predictions about how a certain protein would bind to various stretches of DNA.
Presenting my findings was also a significant part of my summer experience. It taught me valuable ways to display my work in a manageable presentation and effectively communicate scientific concepts. While the paradox remains, the progress I have made this summer has certainly improved our understanding of it. Overall, my summer in the Lampson Lab was an unforgettable experience that has served as a pivotal step in my journey as a researcher. My passion for biological research has certainly been deepened and I aim to continue investigating both the centromere DNA paradox and other intriguing biological mysteries.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
